There is an untapped resource in Wooli with the potential to contribute substantially to our understanding of what has shaped the beach and river over past years and decades: the collective knowledge, records and observations of the community. Our research contacts at University of Queensland and at ASR Ltd emphasised the value of this type of data. It is clear from meetings and informal discussions that there are many photographic records and opinions about what happens on the beach and why, supporting evidence and ideas about improving the beach protection strategy.

Tim Heldt will facilitate the process with support from Daryl and Marlene Harper. Juliet Thommason will make sure we get good quality copies of the material loaned to us. But the vital people are those in the Wooli community who have seen and photographed the changing face of the river and beach.

If you can contribute stories or photos or just ideas, contact Tim Heldt at wild-ash@bigpond.net.au, Daryl Harper at daryl.h@optusnet.com.au or see Bruce at the Post Office. Please identify photos and documents with your name or better still, copy or scan them so that irreplaceable originals don’t get lost. All originals will be scanned and returned and the results of the study will go up on the Protect Wooli website.